Novartis will highlight the strength of its oncology research programs at the upcoming 52nd Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), being held June 3-7 in Chicago. Data will demonstrate advances across several of the company's core disease areas of focus including leukemias and lung, melanoma and breast cancers.

"We are particularly excited to share the results from the Tasigna Treatment-free Remission trials as these represent our unwavering commitment to further understand management approaches for Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia," said Bruno Strigini, President of Novartis Oncology. "These and other data at ASCO 2016 underscore our drive to advance cancer research for the benefit of patients."

Novartis data at the 2016 ASCO Annual Meeting will highlight the following:

The potential for some patients with Philadelphia chromosome-positive (Ph+) chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), treated with Tasigna® (nilotinib), to achieve a sustained deep level of molecular response and maintain a major molecular response after stopping therapy - a concept called Treatment-free Remission (TFR):

Update on the efficacy and safety of Tafinlar® (dabrafenib) and Mekinist® (trametinib) combination therapy in patients with BRAF V600-mutated cancers, including potential indications under investigation:

Throughout the 2016 ASCO Annual Meeting, Novartis Oncology will host dedicated content on the company website (http://www.novartisoncology.com) that will feature unique insights and perspectives on emerging areas of cancer care and research.

Product Information Approved indications for products vary by country and not all indications are available in every country. The product safety and efficacy profiles have not yet been established outside the approved indications. Because of the uncertainty of clinical trials, there is no guarantee that compounds will become commercially available with additional indications.

Because INC280, CTL019, LEE011, BKM120 and PDR001 are investigational compounds, the safety and efficacy profiles have not yet been fully established. Access to these investigational compounds is available only through carefully controlled and monitored clinical trials. These trials are designed to better understand the potential benefits and risks of the compound. Because of the uncertainty of clinical trials, there is no guarantee that INC280, CTL019, LEE011, BKM120 and PDR001 will ever be commercially available anywhere in the world.

About NovartisNovartis provides innovative healthcare solutions that address the evolving needs of patients and societies. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Novartis offers a diversified portfolio to best meet these needs: innovative medicines, eye care and cost-saving generic pharmaceuticals. Novartis is the only global company with leading positions in these areas. In 2015, the Group achieved net sales of USD 49.4 billion, while R&D throughout the Group amounted to approximately USD 8.9 billion (USD 8.7 billion excluding impairment and amortization charges). Novartis Group companies employ approximately 118,000 full-time-equivalent associates. Novartis products are available in more than 180 countries around the world. For more information, please visit http://www.novartis.com.

*Known as Gleevec® (imatinib mesylate) tablets in the US, Canada and Israel.

**Jakavi is a registered trademark of Novartis AG in countries outside the United States. Jakafi is a registered trademark of Incyte Corporation. Novartis licensed ruxolitinib from Incyte Corporation for development and commercialization outside the United States.